Whereas, November 11, the anniversary of the end of World War I, was long commemorated as Armistice Day to honor the courageous men of that struggle; and

Whereas, in the years since that time our great Nation has been engaged in several other military conflicts, adding millions of names to the list of men who so gallantly served; and

Whereas, Congress, by an Act approved June 1, 1954, expanded the significance of the November 11 observance by officially changing the name of the day to Veterans' Day, to ensure that our Nation pay tribute to all men and women who fought valiantly in our struggles to uphold the principles of freedom and justice on which the country was founded; and

Whereas, it is fitting that we publicly express our deepest gratitude to these Veterans who now, through various organizations continue their work for worldwide peace; and

Whereas, Title 1, Section 501 of the Delaware Code sets aside the eleventh of November as a legal holiday in the State of Delaware;

Now, therefore, I, Russell W. Peterson, Governor of the

State of Delaware, do hereby proclaim November 11, 1969, as

VETERANS' DAY

in Delaware, and urge all residents of The First State to honor the sacrifices of all those who served to preserve our great heritage, and to rededicate ourselves to the cause of peace. I request that the American and Delaware flags be properly displayed on all State buildings and institutions on this day; and urge all patriotic, veteran, and civic associations to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies.

Further, I encourage all Delawareans to attend the annual Veterans' Day exercises at the Delaware Memorial Bridge Plaza, Sunday afternoon, November 9, 1969, at 1:30 p.m.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I, Russell W. Peterson, Governor of the State of Delaware, have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the said State to be hereunto affixed at Dover this 3rd day of November in the year of our Lord, one thousand nine hundred and sixty-nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America, the one hundred and ninety-fourth.